One person has died and another is in hospital after a devastating Boxing Day house fire.
Firefighters were called to the blaze in Litherland, Merseyside, just after 2.30pm.
One person, whose age and gender has not been confirmed, was pulled from the property and died at the scene.
The second person was assessed by paramedics and taken to hospital for further treatment.
Their condition is not known, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Mersey Fire and Rescue Service officials say the fire started in the bedroom and is under investigation.
Firefighters said the victim's next of kin have been informed.
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Photos from the scene appear to show blackened windows and walls in a top floor room.
The homeowners are thought to be a couple in their 70s, according to neighbours.
The fire service have not confirmed the ages or gender of the victims involved.
One neighbour called the fire "devastating" while another said a "lovely couple lived in the home and have done for years".
Another told of the horrifying moment they saw black smoke billowing from the house.
Area Manager Gary Oakford said: "On arrival crews found a fire in the first floor bedroom of the property.
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property equipped with hose reel jets.
"One person was pulled from the property by firefighters. Sadly they were pronounced deceased at the scene.
"A second person was assessed at the scene by paramedics from North West Ambulance Service and taken to hospital for further treatment. Merseyside Police also attended.
"A joint investigation into the cause of the fire will be carried out in due course."
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Firefighters left the scene at 4.02pm however police and forensic officers remained at the scene this evening.
